What is the primary function of safety relief valves in the engineering plant?

The primary function of safety relief valves in the engineering plant is to prevent overpressure in the system by releasing excess pressure. These valves are critical components in pressure vessels and piping systems, designed to protect equipment and ensure safe operation. When the pressure within a system exceeds a predetermined threshold, the relief valve opens, allowing fluid to escape. This action prevents potential damage to the equipment, ruptures, or even catastrophic failures that could result from excessive pressure.

In contrast, enhancing the efficiency of the system involves optimizing various operational parameters rather than specifically managing pressure levels. Regulating temperature changes is typically the role of other devices such as thermostats or heat exchangers, which control temperature directly rather than focusing on pressure relief. Increasing the speed of fluid movement pertains to pumps and other mechanisms that facilitate flow, rather than the primary purpose of safety relief valves, which is to ensure the integrity and safety of the pressure containment system.